Catastrophes

This week’s lesson is all about catastrophes. A catastrophic event is a natural or man-made incident (including terrorism) that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale and/or government functions.

Tsunamis are just one kind of natural disaster. Watch this video before you enter the world of CATASTROPHES

Resources

Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather

Fact Monster

Natural Disaster Images

Some of the Worst Catastrophes

BEST resources

Research/Reflect/Brainstorm

Make a list of all the different types of catastrophes that can occur; man-made and natural. As you list these events, also detail the locations where they are most likely to occur.

Activity

Many catastrophic events occur suddenly and without warning. They can wreak havoc on our homes, cities and ecosystems. There are a few kinds of catastrophic events that may give some warning, like a hurricane that approaching coastal cities.

From the list you created in the research activity above, choose the catastrophic events that might affect you the most in the area you live and describe how they can cause damage to your ecosystem.

BEST Connection

How is BEST Robotics associated with Natural Disasters? While there may not be an immediate answer to that, BEST does have many hubs around the country located in Natural Disaster areas. Take a look at the BEST website and pinpoint which hubs located in natural disaster zones. This activity gives you the opportunity to learn a little bit about the other hubs and the areas they call home.

Community Connection

Almost every community in the United States has been affected by some kind of catastrophic event. Has your community ever been affected by one? Did you ever live in an area that was affected by a catastrophic event? Do you have friends or relatives that have been affected by a catastrophic event? Draft a brief write-up about how a catastrophic event affected you or someone you know, or share the experience with your team.

Does your community have in place for any type of catastrophic event? If not or if you’re unsure, is there some type of catastrophic event that your area should be prepared for?

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Bloom’s Taxonomy: create, explore, evaluate, generate, include, identify, list, observe, reflect, review, use, and write

Workforce Skills

Critical thinking, materials evaluation, reading comprehension, science, writing, research